Director, Lateral Partner Recruiting – Trial & Global Disputes

King & Spalding

Director of Lateral Partner Recruiting at King & Spalding, leading recruitment strategies across U.S. law offices to secure top legal talent.

Posted 5/7/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $220,000 - $320,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Together with the Chief of Lateral Partner Recruiting & Integration and Practice Group Leads and Lateral Recruiting Leads, develop and implement strategies to identify, recruit and hire top lateral partners in line with the Firm’s strategic goals and hiring standards.
Proactively execute innovative sourcing strategies across that produce and maintain a qualified and diverse pipeline of potential target candidates, including by participating in meetings with key partners in the practice groups, building lists of potential candidates that fit the practice/firm profile, and developing plans to recruit target candidates.
Serve as the primary liaison for candidates, search firms, and internal stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and representing the firm’s brand.
Develop and maintain search firm relationships to share the Firm’s goals, strategies and desired targets in various markets in order to create a robust candidate pipeline.
Direct the preparation and delivery of candidate interview schedules, pre-interview materials, and marketing collateral.
Work with Practice Group Leads on the drafting of interview talking points, practice summaries, memos in support of candidates to be presented to the Policy Committee and integration plans, ensuring consistency and strategic messaging.
Maintain and analyze market intelligence on lateral partner moves, leveraging data to inform recruiting decisions.
Manage collection of conflicts, diligence and Lateral Partner Questionnaires and analyze data for lateral leads and sponsors.
Draft offer letters, compensation plans, and request pro-formas to collaborate with internal stakeholders on developing candidate compensation packages.
Coach, develop and train recruiting coordinators, assign work and provide feedback to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Work alongside Associate Director of Partner Integration on integration plans for newly joined lateral partners, collaborating with Integration Partners and firm leadership.
Conduct regular touchpoints with lateral partners to monitor integration progress and address challenges.
Develop initiatives to enhance onboarding experience.
Partner with Human Resources to ensure all onboarding documentation and processes are completed seamlessly.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required; JD strongly preferred.
Minimum 10 years prior experience; preferably from an AmLaw 100 firm.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence all levels of the organization.
Proven track record of managing complex projects and competing priorities in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
Deep understanding of the legal industry and lateral partner market trends.
Ability to think strategically and maintain strict confidentiality.
Strong analytical, organizational skills, with the ability to multi-task and prioritize projects in a fast-paced, detailed, oriented environment.
Committed professionalism with a strong sense of ownership and can proactively follow up and follow through.
A proactive learner who has the flexibility to adapt to new systems and processes.

Benefits

Comp & perks

health and wellness plan
life and disability insurance
flexible spending accounts and a health savings account
401(k) plan
profit sharing plan
substantial Paid Time Off (PTO) program

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

candidate sourcingproject managementdata analysisinterview preparationoffer letter draftingcompensation planningmarket intelligence analysisonboarding processesconflict managementstrategic planning

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationinterpersonal skillsinfluenceorganizational skillsmulti-taskingprioritizationprofessionalismadaptabilityproactive learning

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeJD (Juris Doctor)